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Release No: 044-97January 29, 1997

DoD AWARDS $8 MILLION IN INSTRUMENTATION GRANTS TO HISTORICALLY BLACK COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES AND MINORITY INSTITUTIONS

The Department of Defense today announced plans to award
grants totalling some $8 million to 42 Historically Black
Colleges and Universities and Minority Institutions (HBCU/MI)
to enhance programs and capabilities at these institutions in
scientific disciplines critical to the national security
functions of the Department and to increase the number of
underrepresented minority graduates in the fields of science,
engineering, and mathematics.

These were competitively selected from 120 proposals
submitted to the Army Research Office in response to a
solicitation in August 1996. Defense agencies participating in
the program include the Army Research Office, the Office of Naval
Research, and the Air Force Office of Scientific Research.

Awards ranging from $45,000 to $400,000 will provide for
the acquisition of science and technology equipment and
instrumentation for educational and research program
enhancements. Awards will be made only after written agreements
have been reached between the Department and the institutions. A
list of recipients is attached.